Nikon

(Image zoomed in via Aperture at 100% with no sharpening or other adjustments added.)
I've now had some time with both the Nikon D800 and the D800E - I reviewed the D800 here - https://photofocus.com/2012/04/16/nikon-d800-mini-mini-review/
My review has widely been falsely characterized as me "hating" the D800. Nothing could be further from the truth. I just don't understand the D800 and I already know people who've bought the camera and now regret it given the large file sizes, slow computer processing, and massive hard drive/memory cards … [Read more...] about Nikon D800E – Mini Review

I am speaking at NAB again this year and prior to my afternoon session I met up with the guys and gals from Canon to get a hands-on look at the new Canon 1DX. It is an impressive beast with the heft and girth of a pro camera and features that will make any sports, action or wildlife shooter drool.
It's a hybrid of sorts - merging the best of Canon's full frame technology with a sports camera. The full-frame 18.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor and all-new Dual DIGIC 5+ processors make for an impressive package.
I was working with one of a very few … [Read more...] about Canon 1DX – First Look

This will be a very short review, because for me the D800 is a very confusing camera. I realize that my review will be very polarizing and controversial. If I don't heap praise on this camera the Nikon fanboys will revolt. But I call em' like I see em' so here goes nothing.
I've had a short time to shoot with and test the Nikon D800. Let me say right off the bat it's a fine camera. So if you just want one regardless of what I say then buy one. But here's the thing. That said...
The D800 is a camera that seems to be at odds with itself. On the … [Read more...] about Nikon D800 Mini – Mini Review

NOTE: All images captured in RAW - Adobe RGB color space. Colors, clarity and apparent exposure may vary depending on your monitor - All images converted using Aperture with minimal adjustments such as cropping, basic edge sharpening, exposure correction. On average less than 30 seconds was spent on each image in post.
If you've been paying attention here at Photofocus you know I am in Alaska testing both the Canon 5D MK III and the Nikon D4.
I've had enough time with the Nikon D4 to formulate some opinions about it that I think might be … [Read more...] about Nikon D4 Mini Review

UPDATE: Within minutes of posting this - several of you claiming to be video experts say you disagree that the 36MP is good for video. So be it. I was simply reporting what I had been told. I personally don't have a dog in this hunt. As my post clearly expresses, I personally think 36mp is too many for a 35mm sensor. Your mileage may vary.
I'll start with the usual disclaimer. I am not one of the cool kids so I have never shot with a D800. This is not a review. Until I actually shoot the camera I won't have a firm opinion, but looking at the … [Read more...] about The Nikon D800 – First Thoughts

I'm no Joe McNally - and accordingly, I don't get paid to shoot with Nikons and don't yet have a D4. As close as I can come is reading the same spec sheet you do. If you look at ALL my posts about new cameras, you'll see that I always say the same thing - I'll reserve final judgment until I use it for a while. But, there's no denying that lots of buzz about Nikon's long-awaited D4 has infiltrated the interwebs. On paper - the camera looks really good. It doesn't appear to me to be any sort of revolutionary step up - just an evolutionary step. … [Read more...] about The New Nikon D4 – Things We Do Know And Things We Don’t – Yet!

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As many of you know, my personal choice for compact camera has been the Nikon P7000. Read my initial P7000 review (with sample pics) here.
It's been very reliable and I've really enjoyed it. Now Nikon has updated the P7000 with the P7100. My friend Joel at Adorama made sure I had one of the first production units shipping anywhere in the USA and here's my first look.
I used the camera to make a few images at the Las … [Read more...] about Nikon P7100 Compact Camera – First Look

Out of the thousands of questions I've received here at Photofocus, Nikon v. Canon is right at the top of the list. People ask me this question as if the right answer will be the difference between a successful photo or a failure. Nothing could be further from the truth. I am in a unique position to know that. I own and use both systems.
Like clockwork - if I post a review or a news item related to Nikon, the Canon fans accuse me of being a Nikon fanboy - merely for posting the information mind you. Also, if I post a review or a news item … [Read more...] about Canon v. Nikon DSLRs – Does it Really Matter?

I've been shooting recently with the new Nikon Coolpix P7000 compact camera. While I have used other cameras as well, I've spent more time with the compact than anything else. I'm pretty happy with the results, especially given the fact that I don't know the new camera that well.
During the course of using this camera it dawned on me that you can indeed get professional results from a compact camera.
This list isn't exhaustive, but it does contain enough information to help most people get great shots from compacts.
1. Stay away from digital … [Read more...] about Seven Ways to Get Pro Results From Your Compact Camera

I've written about the Nikon Coolpix P7000 over the last week or so. I've had several days to shoot with it and wanted to share some additional thoughts and final conclusions.
I haven't done extensive testing in low-light, but the P7000, like all the other cameras in its class is reliable up to ISO 400 and in some cases 800. Above that, you may need to use noise reduction to get good results. I don't think this is a negative fact given the other cameras I've tested in this class are in the same boat. But in terms of replacing a DSLR with the … [Read more...] about Nikon P7000 Mini Review – Conclusions

I am with a group of journalists covering Nikon's newest lenses and cameras at the Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico. Nikon is hosting us. They have all nine of their newest lenses here for us to try out. Everything from the fixed 200mm F/2 to the updated versions of the 70-200 F/2.8 is available. I've played with all of these new lenses and a few stand out. The Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX NIKKOR Lens completely blew my mind. The above image was made with this lens using a Nikon D300s body, ISO 400, 1/640th second at EFL 185mm - hand … [Read more...] about Nikon Lens Event & Report From The 39th Annual Balloon Fiesta

Nikon provided me with a P7000 to play with prior to the camera hitting retail shelves.* I haven't had extensive time with the camera, but I can tell you that based on my limited time with the product, it's certainly a game changer - at least for the Nikon faithful. The P7000 doesn't piggy back off the P6000. Nikon started over with this camera. And so far, it looks like they made the right call. They have a 10 mp sensor instead of a 13 mp sensor, which offers better low-light performance. They have changed the ergonomics, added features, etc. … [Read more...] about First Impressions: Nikon Coolpix P7000

If you noticed my post last week on holding off on buying a new camera, you see another reason why. Nikon has announced the new D7000. It's a $1200 DSLR with a ton of features at an attractive price.
Here are the highlights
_16.2 Megapixels. (CMOS sensor, DX format, 6fps)
_1080p full HD video. (24fps)
_ISO up to 6400 (pushable to 25,600)
_Magnesium alloy construction (read pro quality)
_Twin SD card slots
There is also a 39-point AF system and revamped Matrix Metering System.
Normally, this is the point at which I'd say something like - … [Read more...] about Nikon D7000 – Has Nikon Finally Come Up With An Answer To The Canon 7D?

My Nikon D3S makes images at ISO 800 that rival what my older cameras could do at ISO 100. It's a fact that today's digital cameras are simply capable of more dynamic range than ever before. But old habits die hard. Back in the film days, we automatically shot at the lowest ISO we could to get the best quality. That causes some photographers to abandon altogether the notion of ever shooting at high ISOs. That's too bad, because they are missing out on all of their camera's capabilities.
Here are three tips for getting better pictures from your … [Read more...] about Three Tips For Better Photographs At High ISOs

Yesterday Nikon announced the D3100 and four new lenses. The D3100 is a game changer for those who shoot video and here's why.
1. Price - The Nikon D3100 will be available in September for $699.95, which includes AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR image stabilized lens. That's a LOW price for a camera with these features.
2. Nikon FINALLY - FINALLY - FINALLY dumped Motion JPEG. It was a horrible video codec and the primary reason why you hear about major motion picture and television production companies using Canon gear to shoot video and not … [Read more...] about Nikon D3100 Announcement

Nikon DSLR: The Ultimate Photographer's Guide
Authors: Jim White and Tony Sweet
Publisher: Focal Press (Elsevier)
Review by Conrad J. Obregon
Every new Nikon digital single lens reflex camera (DSLR) comes with a detailed manual explaining the cameras controls and capabilities. These manuals have little information on the practical application of the controls and capabilities to the capturing of images and are often quite technical. Many purchasers of these cameras, especially first time DSLR users, need more help in learning to use these … [Read more...] about Photo Book Review – Nikon DSLR: The Ultimate Photographer’s Guide

Nikon's D3 was a ground-breaking camera. When I switched from Canon to Nikon about 16 months ago, it was primarily the D3 that got me to take the plunge. It's simply an amazing camera in every way. One of the reasons the camera is so special is that Nikon decided to limit the pixel count to 12.1MP. This means the pixels are large and gather light better than cameras with lots more megapixels.
Fast-forward to yesterday's announcement of the D3s. Nikon decided to keep the 12.1MP sensor but refined it to provide even BETTER low-light performance. … [Read more...] about Nikon Announces the D3s – Some Initial Thoughts

I'm buying the D300s because of the video capability - or what Nikon calls D-Movie mode - Nikon has really paid attention to what its customers want according to the latest Nikon camera announcement.
The D300S is a new DSLR that as a camera, will fill the pro-sumer niche. It's not quite a D3 or D700, it's DX not an FX camera, but it's still photo capabilities are simply amazing. It includes many of the features found on Nikon's most advanced pro bodies. So as a backup to a D3 or a D700 it's very viable. For the emerging pro who can't justify … [Read more...] about Here’s Why I’m Buying a Nikon D300s

The Nikon 50mm f/1.4G SIC SW - I resisted buying this lens as long as I could. I really did. I was VERY happy with my old Nikon 50mm F/1.4 lens. It was the sharpest lens in my Nikon bag. But I kept hearing how great the new AF-S version was and well, I caved in.
I recently used the lens while scouting Mt. Rainier for the Aperture Nature Photography Workshops. All I can say is WOW! This is my new favorite Nikon lens. This puppy is S H A R P. The focus is fast and precise. The low-light performance is superb in every possible way. The build … [Read more...] about Nikon’s 50mm f/1.4G SIC SW Lens

This week I am celebrating the one year anniversary of my switch to Nikon from Canon. After 17 years as a Canon user, I switched - mostly because no Canon camera could come close to the performance of the Nikon D3.
So what have I learned in a year?
That the camera brand wars still rage on. People are actually ANGRY at me because I switched. Go figure. I've also learned that the two companies are very different.
Nikon is a bit more forthcoming when it screws up. Canon kept the 1D MK III autofocus debacle a secret as long as they could.
Canon … [Read more...] about One Year With Nikon

The D5000 is a digital SLR camera with a 12.3-megapixel sensor and High Definition video.
It has a 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD, Nikons D-Movie Mode and expanded automatic Scene Modes
The D5000s D-Movie Mode allows users to record HD movie clips (1280 x 720) at a cinematic 24 frames per second with sound. The D5000 uses SD or SDHC memory cards.
The D5000s normal ISO range extends from ISO 200 to 3200. Additionally, the D5000s ISO range can be expanded to a Lo 1 setting of ISO 100 or a Hi 1 setting of ISO 6400.
The D5000 has 11-point auto focus … [Read more...] about Nikon Introduces D5000

A review of The Hot Shoe Diaries: Big Light from Small Flashes.
Usually Conrad does all our book reviews. And that's the way it should be. He's the best in the business. Once in a while I will throw in a review from a book that particularly impressed me. And Joe McNally's Hot Shoe Diaries is just such a book. I know some of you will say "Enough of McNally!" "He's getting too much hype!" Well when you're as good as Joe, there's a reason you generate so much buzz - you deserve it.
This is the best book I've ever read on flash photography - … [Read more...] about Bonus Book Review – The Hot Shoe Diaries

Upon unboxing my new Nikon Speedlight SB-900 in Florida this week, I was prompted to adapt the old movie line - "Is that a flash in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?"
This thing is huge, big, large, enormous, grand - okay you get it - the SB-900 takes up a lot of space. It's the largest flash head I've ever seen from a major camera manufacturer.
Once I got over the shock of the size, it dawned on me that this was a good thing. In most cases involving photography, the larger the light source, the better the light.
But let's get … [Read more...] about Nikon Speedlight SB-900 Flash Mini Review

Nikon Inc. announced the AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G lens. It's a fixed focal length, fast-aperture DX-format lens that affords photographers using crop sensor cameras the versatility of the classic 50mm focal length (FX-format equivalent of 52mm).
The development and release of the 35mm f/1.8 NIKKOR lens delivers new and added versatility to the Nikon DX-format digital SLR system and provides DX-format photographers with a broader range of fast-aperture lens options, said Edward Fasano, general manager for marketing, SLR Systems Products at … [Read more...] about New Nikon 35mm Lens

Post by By Andy Ihnatko'
In a fairly loose definition of the term, the block of Vermont Sharp Cheddar in my fridge is a pocket camera. I've just given it a test and sure enough...it fits in my pocket.
(Actually, now that I've broken off a hunk to nibble on, it's become even more compact and convenient.)
I have my reasons for inserting the cheese into this narrative. I was a bit peckish and the cheese was just sitting there. But primarily I want to make the point that the term "pocket camera" isn't a reflection of a camer'a size. It reflects … [Read more...] about Panasonic LX3 vs. Nikon P6000 Part 2

Go ahead. The next time you're shopping for a new piece of gear and you can't decide between three attractive choices, fire off emails to each manufacturer and see if they're open to loaning you some samples to play with for a month or so.
Aha. See? So there are some advantages to being an internationally-beloved technology pundit.
And no, I wasn't being mercenary. The field of "premium point-and-shoot" cameras has really found its spurs in recent years and it was nigh-time that I wrote a comparative review of the Nikon CoolPix P6000, the … [Read more...] about Panasonic LX3 vs. Nikon P6000 Part 1

Nikon Announces D3X - TWIP
One of the worst kept secrets in the photo world has been revealed. Nikon has announced details of its newest flagship body - the D3X.
The official Nikon site info can be found here.
A more detailed 28-page PDF is also available for download.
Finally, the official news release is available for download here. … [Read more...] about Nikon Makes D3x Official

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